JULY 29—WHO IS BRIAN GRAY?

We had the same question, so we hunted him down in the pits and got a feel of where the Sobe/Suzuki rider came from. In fact, the 18-year-old began the year racing amateur events but was moved up after Danny Smith got injured. How is he doing? Pretty well if you ask us. Being thrown into the fire is an understatement as to how Gray joined the pro ranks, but he’s beginning to make his mark. Number 338 is 17th in points and is ahead of rookies Ryan Mills and Bob Kiniry. In the second 125 moto at Washougal, the youngster from Florida came from last place and made his way up to 10th place by moto end. Maybe being thrown into the fire wasn’t such a bad thing after all. We chatted with Brian as he was gearing up to race.

Motocross Action:

Brian, you kind of burst onto the pro scene. Where exactly did you come from?

Brian Gray:

I was one of Team Suzuki’s amateur riders and Cole Gress wanted me to do a couple of Nationals to get warmed up for next year. I did pretty well, so he got me a spot to ride the rest of the year with the Sobe/Suzuki team. I have to race Loretta Lynn’s next weekend and plan on winning both of the pro sport classes there.

MXA:

Who do you think might give you some competition at Loretta’s?

BG:

One competitor would be Broc Hepler, but I’m not really worried about him.

MXA:

You’re a Sobe/Suzuki rider and that’s quite an accomplishment. How does it feel to be a pro?

BG:

I like being a pro, it’s way better than being an amateur. I mean just going to the races things are laid out better and everything is organized.

MXA:

Do you in a sense feel star-struck because you suddenly are a pro and are riding for a factory-backed team?


BG:

It feels good, hopefully the fans will begin to know who I am and I can make a good name for myself. I’m trying really hard and getting better every week, so hopefully I’ll make a good name for myself next year.

MXA:

What are your plans for next year, and how do you feel about the new four strokes?

BG:

I haven’t talked with them about it yet, so as of right now?no. If I ride for Sobe/Suzuki next year I will test both the 250F and the 125.


MXA:

What has been the hardest part about being a pro?

BG:

I guess just going out on the track and riding the track instead of the riders. I haven’t seen most of the tracks I’ve ridden on this year. A few of them I rode when I was on 80’s. It’s a little disadvantage because I go out on the track and I don’t even know what’s on the other side of the jump. I’m trying to adapt quickly.

MXA:

What has been your highest finish thus far in your pro career?

BG:

In a moto I finished 7th and overall I’ve finished 7th

MXA:

Alright, Brian. Thanks for the interview and good luck at Loretta’s and rest of the year.

BG:

No problem, and thank you.